Exploring the forgotten genius of WWII propaganda, the provocative broadcasts used to undermine Nazi messaging, and the modern-day impact of propaganda on society. Delving into the work of Sefton Delmer and Peter Pomerantsev's efforts to expose Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Discussing the intricate connections between anti-Semitism, geopolitics, and ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Propaganda exploits existing sentiments to influence beliefs, creating narratives that manipulate public opinion.
Effective propaganda targets audience desires and vulnerabilities, using information to shape perceptions and behaviors.
Deep dives
Peter Pomeransow's Insights on Contemporary Propaganda
Peter Pomeransow, a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University, discusses the power of propaganda based on his research. He highlights the impact of propaganda in influencing people's beliefs, emphasizing how it can exploit existing sentiments rather than create entirely new ideologies. Pomeransow delves into the strategies used historically, citing examples during World War II to illustrate how propaganda works to mold perceptions and justify actions, ultimately serving as a tool to manipulate narratives and shape public opinion. He delves into the complexities of combating disinformation and propaganda in today's society, stressing the need to address underlying desires and psychological dynamics that fuel acceptance of misleading information.
Sefton Delmer's Innovative Propaganda Techniques
Peter Pomeransow reflects on the strategies employed by Sefton Delmer during World War II to counter German propaganda. Delmer's approach included using broadcasts that exposed the moral depravity of German leaders, aiming to break taboos and challenge the Nazi regime's narrative. His broadcasts targeted soldiers directly, providing insights into their daily lives and incorporating elements of truth twisted to evoke desired reactions. Delmer's innovative use of information to influence behaviors and perceptions showcases a psychological approach to propaganda that prioritizes understanding the audience and appealing to their desires and vulnerabilities.
Documenting Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
Pomeransow discusses the Reckoning Project, an initiative he co-founded to document Russian war crimes in Ukraine. The project aims to prevent Russian propaganda from erasing these atrocities by training journalists to gather evidence effectively and rigorously. Through meticulous documentation of war crimes and atrocities, the project seeks to create a lasting archive that stands as testimony to the systemic and deliberate nature of the violence. Pomeransow highlights the importance of revealing patterns of abuse to expose the perpetrators and ensure accountability for their actions.
Upholding Identity Amidst Propaganda and Conflict
Peter Pomeransow reflects on the impact of propaganda on identity amidst conflict and manipulation. He explores how propaganda can undermine individuality, fostering allegiance to collective identities shaped by authoritarian regimes. The discussion delves into the psychological tactics employed to subvert personal agency and enforce conformity to specific narratives. Pomeransow emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving one's identity in the face of propaganda-driven attempts to distort and manipulate individual and collective perceptions. Contemplating the role of propaganda in eroding identity and inciting conflicts, he underscores the need to counteract manipulative narratives and reclaim personal agency amidst turbulent times.
We talk with Peter Pomerantsev, whose new book, How to Win an Information War, is about the man he describes as the "forgotten genius" of propaganda. Throughout WWII, Sefton Delmer ran propaganda campaigns for the British against Hitler's regime. Some of those efforts bordered on pornography. We'll also talk about witnessing Putin's use of disinformation when Pomerantsev worked in Russia, and his work as the co-founder of a project documenting Russian war crimes in Ukraine.